topic Re: I need a simple basic printer please. in Electronics

I need a simple basic printer please.

mima — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 21:03:35 GMT

My husband's stepdad wants my help in buying a printer. Keep in mind he is 80+ years old and not real computer savvy. He only needs black and white, however I see most if not all are color unless it is a laser printer. He wants a good built one. Doesn't need any frills such as fax or wireless.

I read on Amazon that their top selling HP (around $59) gives you a message to buy into their ink program for every page printed unless you remove some software or something like that. I can't have any problems similar to that for him.

I need SIMPLE to set up.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Re: I need a simple basic printer please.

Mz iMac — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 21:18:50 GMT

There are really no more simple printers unless you find one that is older than dirt that will work w/his computer.

Most if not all can print just b&w & are wireless. Keep in mind that wireless printers are also wired & USB connected if necessary. Sometimes the USB cable is included but not always.

For simplicity, go to a Best Buy, Staples or Office Max in your hood. Take your FIL w/you. The staff will let him check it out.

Off hand, Epson is pretty simple. At least for my needs.

Re: I need a simple basic printer please.

queendiva — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 21:31:19 GMT

I bought my Canon Pixma 2520 (or is it 2550?) for $20.00 online. Refill ink costs more. Basic black and color printer. Had it for about 6 months- no problems.

Re: I need a simple basic printer please.

BalletBabe — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 21:34:04 GMT

I bought an HP from QVC a few months ago. I Love it. Keep in mind this. What computer program is he using? I have a beautiful printer that I love and it won't work with wiindows 10. Just saying incase you decide on a used one. I would go to staples or a best buy and tell them what you are looking for and they can maybe give you some suggestions.

Any HP printer gives you the option to buy into their ink program, but unless he prints a lot, it isn't worth it.

Re: I need a simple basic printer please.

mima — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 21:34:29 GMT

@Mz iMac My problem is that we live in a dinky town with just a Walmart. He is in bad health and would not be able to shop in the city. He wants me to buy it online. He has a printer that is only 1 year old and paper is jammed in it. I told him I'd try to fix it and he says no, he wants a new one that the paper won't jam in. LOL Ok....How do I know which one that is?

He wants to get rid of the one he has and he says he wants a good, simple, heavy duty one. I sure don't want to order him one and then he won't like it and I'll be the one sending it back.

I have a feeling this is going to be a mess (for me).

Thanks for your reply.

Re: I need a simple basic printer please.

kaydee50 — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 21:57:42 GMT

HP Envy 4520. It was about $50 at Staples a few months ago. Reliable and easy to use.

Re: I need a simple basic printer please.

Krimpette — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 22:00:04 GMT

@mima If your dad is replacing his new one because it has jammed, I'm afraid he might be fighting a losing battle. Unless he's very careful whenever he has to load paper in the tray, there exists the possibility of a jam. I wish he's just let you clear the jam for him. Hate to see him buy a new printer whenever one jams. Poor man. I understand his angst, since I'm not thrilled when my printer jams either!!!!

Re: I need a simple basic printer please.

mima — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 22:04:14 GMT

@Krimpette I agree with you. I think he is wasting his money too. He says the one he has gives him a message he is using the wrong paper. He said he's probably getting the message because he buys cheap paper? I've never heard of that and don't think it is right. I have not seen the message persoanly though. I think you have the picture of what I'm up against. Thanks for understanding.

Re: I need a simple basic printer please.

mima — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 22:08:31 GMT

@BalletBabe wrote:
I bought an HP from QVC a few months ago. I Love it. Keep in mind this. What computer program is he using? I have a beautiful printer that I love and it won't work with wiindows 10. Just saying incase you decide on a used one. I would go to staples or a best buy and tell them what you are looking for and they can maybe give you some suggestions.

Any HP printer gives you the option to buy into their ink program, but unless he prints a lot, it isn't worth it.

@BalletBabe I don't know what computer program he is using, but it isn't Windows 10. It is older than that. I know he wouldn't have updated it. He would never do the instant ink program. He has me order generic ink cartridges (or refilled) online for him.

Staples or Best Buy is 100 miles from here.

Is yours the one with the instant ink program? That one gets good reviews, however if you don't want to join the instant ink program some of the reviews say you get a constant message to join. I know he would get irritated with that.

Thanks for your reply!

Re: I need a simple basic printer please.

BalletBabe — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 22:15:45 GMT

@mima wrote:
@BalletBabe wrote:
I bought an HP from QVC a few months ago. I Love it. Keep in mind this. What computer program is he using? I have a beautiful printer that I love and it won't work with wiindows 10. Just saying incase you decide on a used one. I would go to staples or a best buy and tell them what you are looking for and they can maybe give you some suggestions.

Any HP printer gives you the option to buy into their ink program, but unless he prints a lot, it isn't worth it.

@BalletBabe I don't know what computer program he is using, but it isn't Windows 10. It is older than that. I know he wouldn't have updated it. He would never do the instant ink program. He has me order generic ink cartridges (or refilled) online for him.

Staples or Best Buy is 100 miles from here.

Is yours the one with the instant ink program? That one gets good reviews, however if you don't want to join the instant ink program some of the reviews say you get a constant message to join. I know he would get irritated with that.

Thanks for your reply!

I believe all HP printers come with a ink program. I purchased one from Q and then about 3 weeks later my desktop crashed. I wasn't going to replace it, but found I could get a new tower for just 299.00 and they threw in a printer for 30.00. They are both HP and both offered the automatic ink, but you have to sign up for it, which when I registered mine I chose not to sign up for it. They have never bothered me about it. Do you have any stores around that sell printers? Might give you a better idea what you want. The one from Q was easy set up, and one from staples was a pain to set up. I was setting both up wireless. If he is not doing wireless, they are all easy. He can choose to print in black and white. Hope this helps good luck!

Re: I need a simple basic printer please.

Mz iMac — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 22:41:44 GMT

@mima

"know what computer program he is using, but it isn't Windows 10. It is older than that. I know he wouldn't have updated it."

You will need to find out which OS he is using. Then you will need to find a printer that is compatible w/your FIL CURRENT OS system. You can check out the printers system requirements on the manufacturer website.

Judging by what you have stated about your FIL, he does not like changes and will be intimadated by an OS upgrade. People his age do not like changes especially when it comes to technology. You have your work cut out for ya.

"we live in a dinky town with just a Walmart."

If I was in your position, I would go down to Walmart, buy enough printer paper to last for a few months or buy a case of it, un jam your FIL printer & tell him it's fix.

Let your husband deal w/his own father.

GOOD LUCK! ~~You're gonna need it.~~

Re: I need a simple basic printer please.

glb613 — Wed, 07 Dec 2016 10:51:18 GMT

@mima wrote:
My husband's stepdad wants my help in buying a printer. Keep in mind he is 80+ years old and not real computer savvy. He only needs black and white, however I see most if not all are color unless it is a laser printer. He wants a good built one. Doesn't need any frills such as fax or wireless.

I read on Amazon that their top selling HP (around $59) gives you a message to buy into their ink program for every page printed unless you remove some software or something like that. I can't have any problems similar to that for him.

I need SIMPLE to set up.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Look into a simple B&W laser printer. You can buy one for the same price as an inkjet and they are cheaper to use. One toner cartridge will probably last him forever.

Re: I need a simple basic printer please.

NickNack — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 23:15:36 GMT

I've used both HP and Canon printers. I much prefer Canons. I think they are simpler to use and better printers in general.

Re: I need a simple basic printer please.

Carolm — Wed, 07 Dec 2016 00:24:30 GMT

About four years ago (maybe a little longer) I purchased an HP laser printer with no bells or whistles. It is wireless but can also be connected to the computer with a cable. I decided that because I didn't need color, I would go with laser and I find that it has been more economical than the ink jet printers. I've purchased only one ink casette since the starter one included with the printer, and it has been relatively trouble free, and was easy to install. Just be sure that whatever you buy will work with his computer.

Good luck with your search.

Re: I need a simple basic printer please.

mima — Wed, 07 Dec 2016 00:40:00 GMT

Thank you all for your information. The laser printer might be the answer BECAUSE he is insisting he only needs black and white. You have all been very helpful.

@Mz iMac You have him nailed to a tee! LOL He wants a printer like he had a long time ago!

Re: I need a simple basic printer please.

Scooby Doo — Wed, 07 Dec 2016 02:04:11 GMT

I just bought at HP 3833 at Sams Club on sale for $49. It was easy to set up and I don't have any problems using it. I also saw a Canon on sale at Walmart for $16. My DD has that one and she says it is really good. Before you buy, check out the price of the ink refills for that particular model. Some are cheaper than others. Also, be sure to see if the color ink is separate from the B&W. You don't want just one ink cartridge.

The HP printer I bought asked me if I wanted to have the ink sent to me on a regular basis. I said no and bypassed that issue. I have the option of printing in color or B&W so I can save ink.

I think with any printer you have to be careful to not overload the paper or it will jam. It also has to be set in straight or it will jam. Maybe you could show him to do that.

If you only have a WM in town, I'd buy it on line and have it delivered to that store. If you don't like it, you can take it back to the store. They have some good ones on their website.